Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Phoenix is 6% more affordable than Madison. A $75,000 salary in Madison is equivalent to $70,755 in Phoenix.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Wisconsin salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Madison has a housing index of 115 while Phoenix sits at 102 (national average = 100). The median home in Madison costs $340,000 compared to $350,000 in Phoenix, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Madison versus $1,400 in Phoenix.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Madison scores 101 while Phoenix scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Madison (105) are higher than Phoenix (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Madison is $67,565 compared to $57,459 in Phoenix. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Phoenix.
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